Magical - emotional - wonderful - joyous - just a few of the words used to describe last year's Butterfly Memory Release.

It really is the most magical and wonderful way to remember someone special, to release a beautiful living butterfly into the sensory gardens here at Willow Wood.

A short blessing ceremony is performed by Hospice chaplain Eddy Inglis before the Willow Wood choir start to sing. Each person who has chosen to remember a loved one then opens their specially designed box before the butterflies slowly stretch their wings and fly to the heavens before coming to rest on the lovely flowers, many of which have been chosen for their nectar, the food of butterflies.

The butterflies will be released at 12 noon, 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm, and as the Butterfly Memory Release is part of our Summer Fete, all those dedicating butterflies will receive free tickets for the fete. There'll be a wide range of stalls including plants from our gardens, handcrafted items, specialist chocolates and cakes, accessories and much more.

Refreshments will be available throughout the day including Pimms, cream teas, light meals and snacks plus a barbeque.

There is a suggested minimum donation of £15 for each butterfly. These funds will remain here at Willow Wood and will be used to enable us to continue our specialised, loving care for those with life-limiting illnesses in Tameside and Glossop.